President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is reported to have boosted its intelligence and national security with the award of a US$40 million contract to Elbit Systems, an Israeli firm.
Premium Times reported the contract was announced by Israel-based firm on Wednesday.
With the deal, it has now become easier for the Nigerian government to have access to computers and email correspondences belonging to Nigerians, which is widely seen as an infringement upon the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression.
Elbit Systems’ general manager, Yehuda Vered, said the contract is for the supply of the company’s technology for “intelligence analysis” and “cyber defense”.
He added: “Elbit Systems is a world leader in the fields of intelligence analysis and cyber defense, with proven solutions highly suitable for countries, armies and critical infrastructure sites.
“We hope that additional customers will follow in selecting our highly advanced and cutting edge systems in these fields as their preferred solution.”
The company did not name Nigeria as the country it had partnered with, but Premium Times revealed that investigations had led to Nigeria.
It stated: “Multiple and very reliable sources in the administration confirmed to Premium Times that Nigeria is indeed the unnamed African country.”
